German brand aims at the BMW X6 with bold new GLE Coupe

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe revealed

German brand aims at the BMW X6 with bold new GLE Coupe

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe revealed

10 Dec 2014Greg Kable

Mercedes-Benz has joined the growing number of premium brand car makers attempting to combine the everyday versatility and commanding seating position of a traditional SUV with the exterior style and driving dynamics of a modern day sportscar with this bold looking five door liftback, the GLE Coupe.

The two Mercedes-Benz SUVs share the same steel monocoque platform, including a common 2915mm wheelbase. But in a move that provides the new GLE Coupe with a larger footprint and what the German car maker describes as added handling prowess, it receives modified axle geometry with track widths that increased by 3mm at the front and 60mm at the rear over those of the M-class at 1658mm and 1725mm respectively.

Further elements common to both include drivelines, suspension, electrical architecture and interior appointments.

As with the X6, which was largely credited with creating a new market segment of large premium brand sporting off-roaders when it was launched in 2008, the GLE Coupe boasts a uniquely styled steel body featuring four conventional front hinged doors and a large liftback style tailgate.

At 4900mm in length, 2003mm in width and 1731mm in height, the new Mercedes-Benz is just 23mm longer, 20mm wider and 32mm higher than the second-generation version of the BMW also planned to go on sale in Australia in 2015.

As implied on the earlier Concept Coupe SUV, the interior of the GLE Coupe is based heavily on that already used by the third-generation M-class. The dashboard has been updated with new instruments, a free standing monitor, revised controls and higher quality materials.

The spacious cabin provides seating for up to five adults together with what Mercedes-Benz describes as the largest luggage compartment in the class.

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed an initial three strong GLE Coupe launch line-up consisting of a single diesel and two petrol powered models – all of which will be sold in Australia with a nine-speed automatic gearbox featuring fuel saving functions such as automatic stop/start and brake energy recuperation.

The GLE350d Coupe runs a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 common rail diesel engine developing 190kW and 620Nm of torque, while the GLE400 Coupe uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol unit with 245KW and 480Nm of torque.

All models run Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic four-wheel drive system as standard. But while it provides the GLE350d and GLE400 with a nominal 50:50 front-to-rear apportioning of drive , it has been tuned to deliver a more sporting 40:60 front-to-rear bias in the GLE450 AMG Sport.

Mercedes-Benz is yet to make official any performance or fuel consumption claims for any of its GLE Coupe models, although the GLE450 AMG Sport is said to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in under six seconds and reach a top speed limited to 250km/h, while returning combined cycle consumption close to 8.5L/100km/h for CO2 emission under the 200g/km threshold. Towing capacity, meanwhile, is put at 3500kg.

The GLE Coupe is underpinned by a modified version of the monocoque steel platform used by the third-generation M-class. In the GLE350d Coupe and GLE400 Coupe is uses a standard steel sprung suspension, while the GLE450 AMG Sport Coupe receives an air sprung arrangement offering constantly variable damping, greater levels of wheel travel and the ability to automatically reduce ride height at higher speeds for improved aerodynamic efficiency and handling prowess. Buyers can, however, order the GLE350d Coupe and GLE400 Coupe with the more the more sophisticated underpinngs as part of a long list of options.

In a bid to provide the GLE Coupe with a wide spread of on-road dynamic properties together with the ability to head off-road, Mercedes-Benz has also provided the range topping GLE450 AMG Sport with a so-called Dynamic Select function. It enables the driver to choose between five different driving modes: Individual, comfort, slippery, sport and sport plus.

As well as influencing the steering, throttle, damping and ride height properties, Dynamic Select also acts on the exhaust, providing the most powerful GLE Coupe with enhanced aural qualities when tuned to sport mode.

The GLE350d and GLE400 roll on standard 20-inch alloy wheels that measure 8.5 inches in width and support 275/50 profile tyres. Reflecting its more sporting ambitions, the GLE450 AMG Sport comes with standard 21-inch wheels that are 10 inches wide up front and 11 inches wide at the rear and are shod with 275/45 front and substantial 315/40 profile tyres. With sizeable wheelhouses, buyers can specify wheels up 22 inches in diameter on all models.

The GLE Coupe will be produced alongside the GLE, GLK, GLS and C-Class saloon at Mercedes-Benz's US manufacturing plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is planned to underpin the German car maker's stand at next month's Detroit motor show